Scripture for Trinity Sunday: Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
People have tried to define or explain God from earliest times. Yet all attempts at definition or explanation fall short of explaining the wonderfully great mystery of God!
The ways we envision God can affect our lives on a personal and a communal level.
God’s Word today presents images or glimpses of God that can speak to our lives:
God our Creator (Proverbs),
God our Companion (Romans),
God our Guide (John).
Realizing that the reality of God’s being extends into the world, we, in turn, are challenged to let these images of God touch our lives and make God’s presence real in our world.
As we help create opportunities for life and love to grow,
as we companion others in good times and in sad times,
as we help guide and direct others,
I think that we continue to make God’s presence alive in the world.
On this Memorial Day weekend we can also thank God as we remember the many men and women who have honorably served the cause of peace. Indeed, many of these fellow human beings sought to help people live in the freedom that the Creator designed.
To think about: Do I ever think of God’s delighting in me or delighting in others (Proverbs)? Am I so busy with my work, my responsibilities, and my expectations that I don’t take “down time” to notice beauty and wonder in the world around me, including the people in my life?
Has my image of God changed as I’ve grown and matured?
How do I relate to others whom I find difficult to love?
To do: Treat yourself to some “down time” to open your eyes to the wonders around you, and thank God, the Creator, for life and its many beauties.
Notice some of the people who touch your life, and thank God, our Companion, for their presence in your life.
Graciously give time, talent or treasure to someone who is experiencing difficulty of some kind and ask God, our Guide, to help you.
As you help create or sustain beauty and life, or as you interact with others this week, be aware of the ways that you continue God's work of creating and caring in your life.
To pray: “Thank you, Creator God…Companion God… Spirit of God in our hearts.”
Next week: Feast of the Body of Christ: Genesis 14: 18-20; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26; Luke 9: 11-17
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
"Breath - A Sign of Life": Reflection for Pentecost, May 23,2010
Scripture for Pentecost: Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-11; 1Cor 12: 3-13; John 20; 19-23 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Breath – A Sign of Life
Breath is such a natural part of life that we often do not think of breathing until difficulty arises. Then we become conscious of the importance of breath and its significance. Basically, breath is a sign of life!
Today, 50 days (“pente”) after Easter, Christians celebrate God’s Breath, God’s Sign of Life that fills God’s people and brings us to a new level of life (Acts of the Apostles, Corinthians).
In fact, today is celebrated as the Birth Day of the Christian community, the Church.
Just as every living being needs breath to live, so God’s People need God’s Breath, God’s Spirit, to live. God’s Spirit is the Dynamic Force that brings the church to life!
So we rejoice today that God's Spirit is with us, while, at the sametime rememberng that God's Word calls us to make this Gift meaningful in our lives.
To think about: Whose spirit guides me? Whose spirit energizes, directs, or inspires me?
Do I think of God’s Spirit as vital and alive, dynamic as an Enlivening Breath, a rush of wind, an energizing fire?
If I think of God’s Spirit dwelling within me, how do I treat my body, my mind, my own spirit?
If I think of God’s Spirit dwelling within others, how do I treat others (John)?
To do: Take time, even two-minute “vacations”, to rest and revive your spirit.
Once in a while try to put aside anxiety, worry, or regret - none of which really help change situations, anyway- and be conscious of your own breathing.
Try to breathe deeply, picturing God's Peace entering you with each breath.
In the midst of busy situations, be aware of God’s presence as a Guiding Spirit.
Select one place or relationship where you see a need for God’s Spirit to be more alive, and along with praying for that place or relationship, try to change one way you interact there.
Become actively involved in a work that helps people realize their own dignity as children of God.
To pray: Pick an image of God’s Spirit presented in Scripture: breath, wind, fire, or water, and pray “Spirit of God, be like _____ in my life today.” It might open up new ways for you to relate to God!
Next week: Trinity Sunday: Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15
Breath – A Sign of Life
Breath is such a natural part of life that we often do not think of breathing until difficulty arises. Then we become conscious of the importance of breath and its significance. Basically, breath is a sign of life!
Today, 50 days (“pente”) after Easter, Christians celebrate God’s Breath, God’s Sign of Life that fills God’s people and brings us to a new level of life (Acts of the Apostles, Corinthians).
In fact, today is celebrated as the Birth Day of the Christian community, the Church.
Just as every living being needs breath to live, so God’s People need God’s Breath, God’s Spirit, to live. God’s Spirit is the Dynamic Force that brings the church to life!
So we rejoice today that God's Spirit is with us, while, at the sametime rememberng that God's Word calls us to make this Gift meaningful in our lives.
To think about: Whose spirit guides me? Whose spirit energizes, directs, or inspires me?
Do I think of God’s Spirit as vital and alive, dynamic as an Enlivening Breath, a rush of wind, an energizing fire?
If I think of God’s Spirit dwelling within me, how do I treat my body, my mind, my own spirit?
If I think of God’s Spirit dwelling within others, how do I treat others (John)?
To do: Take time, even two-minute “vacations”, to rest and revive your spirit.
Once in a while try to put aside anxiety, worry, or regret - none of which really help change situations, anyway- and be conscious of your own breathing.
Try to breathe deeply, picturing God's Peace entering you with each breath.
In the midst of busy situations, be aware of God’s presence as a Guiding Spirit.
Select one place or relationship where you see a need for God’s Spirit to be more alive, and along with praying for that place or relationship, try to change one way you interact there.
Become actively involved in a work that helps people realize their own dignity as children of God.
To pray: Pick an image of God’s Spirit presented in Scripture: breath, wind, fire, or water, and pray “Spirit of God, be like _____ in my life today.” It might open up new ways for you to relate to God!
Next week: Trinity Sunday: Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15
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